The stage is set for the 53rd Annual White Marlin Open, with 334 boats competing for an estimated $9.9 million in prize money during the six-day tournament beginning Monday, August 3.
Offshore fishing has been red hot. Boats have returned to port flying multiple white and blue marlin release flags throughout the past week. Last Sunday, the Ocean City boat Maverick released 19 white marlin and one blue marlin. On Thursday, Max Bet raised 51 white marlin in Spencer Canyon and released 30. Shark Bite followed Friday with 27 white marlin and one blue marlin released. Tuna fishing has also remained productive for the past month. This year’s tournament includes two major changes. Boats may now select their three fishing days from a six-day window rather than the traditional five days. That added flexibility could prove important immediately, with rough conditions forecast for Monday before seas improve to approximately 3 to 4 feet for much of the remaining week. The tournament has also added two billfish entry levels for boats competing without omnidirectional sonar, giving non-sonar boats additional opportunities in both weighed-marlin and billfish-release competition. Several of the tournament’s most successful boats are returning. Billfisher of Ocean City, Maryland has earned more than $10 million after capturing the heaviest white marlin in both 2022 and 2025. Fish Whistle of Indian River, Delaware, won the white marlin division in 2008 and 2019, earning more than $2 million. Also returning is Floor Reel, winner of a tournament-record $6.2 million for a 640.5-pound blue marlin in 2023. Spectators can follow the action at Marlin Fest at the Ocean City Inlet or attend the daily weigh-ins at Harbour Island Marina. Marlin Fest is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and offers food and drink, live music, games, venders, WMO merch, weigh-ins streamed on a Jumbo Screen and the best view of boats returning with flags flying to tell of the day’s success. The weigh-ins are held each evening at Harbour Island Marina at 14th street from 4 to 9:15 p.m. and are free to the public.